HANGAR TALK Industry news relevant to your business


Kaman Announces New K-Max Order from North American Helicopter


Kaman Air Vehicles recently announced the receipt of a signed purchase agreement from North American Helicopter for a K-Max medium-to-heavy lift helicopter with delivery expected in the fourth quarter of 2022.


“North American Helicopter has been a highly respected operator for more than 55 years and we appreciate the confidence they have placed in Kaman and the capabilities of the K-Max. Adding the proven external lift and precision capabilities of K-Max to North American Helicopter’s operations will enhance their operational services in support of the electrical and gas utility sectors and the Department of Defense,” said Roger Wassmuth, senior director of business development.


“Adding K-Max to our fleet is an important step for expanding our overall external lift capabilities,” stated Jessica Bailey, president of North American Helicopter. “Our future power-line projects and firefighting support will benefit greatly from the increased lift capability of K-Max. Our strategic location in the Midwest near St. Louis, Missouri, allows us to respond quickly to our customers’ needs throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.”


The K-Max is a rugged, low-maintenance aircraft that features a counter-rotating rotor system and is optimized for repetitive external load operations. The aircraft can lift up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg.) with unmatched performance in hot-and- high conditions. Kaman has produced both manned and unmanned versions of the K-Max, and the development of its Titan unmanned aerial system continues to progress. “We believe the global market will benefit from the demonstrated performance of the K-Max helicopter, and expect to see additional requirements for this reliable platform for critical missions such as firefighting and infrastructure building,” said Phil Murphy, vice president of business development, Kaman Air Vehicles / Precision Products Division.


36 Nov/Dec 2022


PHI & BP Extend Relationship with New 10-Year Contract


PHI Aviation recently extended its contract with British Petroleum (BP) to provide helicopter transportation services for BP’s energy exploration and production efforts in the Gulf of Mexico. The 10-year, multi-aircraft agreement, which began in September and is an amendment to the existing contract, provides full-time Sikorsky S-92 support from PHI’s Houma, Louisiana, base.


To complement the new contract, PHI and BP are also making a multi-million-dollar investment in PHI’s Houma base facilities and hangars that will deliver synergies for BP and increased efficiencies for other PHI customers over the next 25-plus years.


“This investment will help make critical enhancements to our Gulf of Mexico support facilities, a significant piece of our operational footprint,” said Jamie Hinch, COO of PHI Aviation – Americas. “We’re committed to the South Louisiana community and our employees in the area, and are excited to continue working with BP.”


This marks the second 10-year contract for PHI since 2021, an historic milestone in the helicopter industry. PHI has provided helicopter services to BP for 40 years.


“We’re delighted to continue building on our longstanding relationship with BP,” said Keith Mullett, managing director – PHI Aviation. “This 10-year contract is not only a reflection of our mutually-beneficial relationship but another testament.” The new contract and construction project supports PHI’s growth and economic impact in the region as PHI transports more than 300,000 passengers in the Gulf of Mexico and more than 400,000 passengers around the world annually.


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